Pau knows/feels he can still produce at a high level if allowed to play his natural position. This has been supported in part by his performance coming off the bench the last 2 games + the Toronto game.

If he can produce like this playing in the low post, then it is only natural for him to want to play more minutes there, produce more, and be in position to get a larger contract in the summer of 2014.

He knows the Lakers are in no position to overpay him next off-season. Accordingly, he would like to get traded to a team that will feature him more prominently in hopes that he will produce at a high enough level in 2013-14 that the team he is traded to will consider signing him to a huge deal.

Now with Howard's future still being up in the air and Hill being hurt, it's highly unlikely the Lakers deal Pau, their only under contract big, before the summer. The only way they do is if its for another big and somehow I just don't see the Josh Smith thing happening - especially after his recent and incredibly ridiculous max money demand.

^This. Howard is becoming as real concern in my view. he's clearly not the player he was in Orlando and there are no signs so far that he will be again.

^This. Howard is becoming as real concern in my view. he's clearly not the player he was in Orlando and there are no signs so far that he will be again.

Dude is coming off back surgery he couldn't even run in the summer, but he is averaging nearly 17 points and leads the league in rebounds with 12rpg and is 5th in blocked shots. Next year he will be healthier and more rested when that time comes the rest of the league should watchout.

Looks like with Gay being rumored to go to elsewhere, I hope the Lakers find a way to ship him out for some value. He's playing better as of late but honestly I'd still trade him for a decent amount of talent in a heartbeat.

If abt of you guys is telling that a Gasol trade is awesome, bugger that!

Pau is playing harder than Howard, though you cannot see him delivering points because he is a willing passer.

And if the Laker Management could see, place Pau and Howard in Center positions, meaning to let them play in that position simultaneously, giving them more time to play=mote points will be generated, + less time playing, which mean fresh manpower.
Just put Howard + Jamison; Pau Jamison in the floor.

And the "not wanting to take back long-term money" is a smokescreen. If the Lakers can pick up a star or young player by taking back a big contract, they do it. If it means winning now AND keeping Dwight, they will do it.